January 10, 2025

End Of Net Neutrality – Late last week in a dramatic move a federal appeals court ruled the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacked the authority to restore net neutrality rules last year, handing a blow to FCC Democrats and Biden administration officials who pushed for revived open internet measures. Barring an unlikely move by Congress to enact Net Neutrality rules, this move signals the end of a decades-long fight that has distracted the telecom industry and regulators in DC for far too long.

New C&T Subcommittee Chair – It was announced that Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., will lead the House Communications and Technology subcommittee that keeps a close watch on federal communications regulators and a range of industry participants, including broadband Internet. Also part of the announcement was that longtime friend of the NATE community, Kate O’Connor Harris would be the Senior Chief Counsel staffing the subcommittee.

R and R Auction – FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced on Monday she has circulated to her four colleagues proposed rules for a new spectrum auction needed to raise the money to fully fund the Rip and Replace program. Program money goes to eligible ISPs that need to remove China-sourced gear acquired from Huawei and ZTE. As authorized by the new defense budget, the FCC is to borrow about $3 billion from the U.S. Treasury upfront and repay the loans with auction proceeds.

OSHA ALERT! – NATE has submitted these comments to OSHA related to their proposed heat rule. While NATE stands for safety in the workplace, we share strong concerns with this rule that would have major ramifications on the workforce and actually lead to less safe experiences for tower technicians.